LETTER: Right to own guns dates to beginnings of the U.S.

Some letter writers don’t understand the 27 words of the Second Amendment. During pre- and post-revolutionary times, most people lived in rural areas, in small towns or on farms. Except for a few minor religious sects, everyone had a musket, often two or three. They were used for hunting and home protection.

Farmers usually took muskets into the fields, especially if they lived near Indian territory. In times of crisis, the militia was formed by riders (such as Paul Revere) who would alert towns and surrounding areas. The church bell was rung to alert citizens. After the crisis was over, they returned to their homes.

During the Revolutionary War, men signed up for a period of time, usually three to six months, sometimes for a year. As the war continued, many stayed for the entire duration, including an ancestor of mine who spent the entire seven years in the Continental Army.

During the war, the government issued contracts to gun manufacturers, including the Henry gun factory in Jacobsburg. After the war, the army disbanded, but they took their own guns with them. Today we have an all-volunteer Army.

Back then, women and children knew how to load and fire muskets. Citizens did not lose their right to own guns because a crisis, large or small, was over. If you can’t understand the Second Amendment, understand this: There is a popular T-shirt that carries the words “If you come for my guns, you better bring yours.”